Afternoon Update on Thursday

ver Belin observed a peculiar trend. Despite the widespread chatter surrounding digital transformation, numerous large corporations still utilized Excel spreadsheets for supplier payment management – a crucial aspect of business operations. Belin, the CEO of Calculum, a Miami-based startup, aimed to revolutionize how major companies handle their supplier payment terms.

In Jacksonville, Joel Marroquin, the head brewer at Tepeloyot Cerveceria, expressed his desire to expand his brewery, albeit not at the expense of entering perpetual distribution contracts. Florida law currently mandates that even small craft brewers must commit to exclusive distribution agreements that are nearly impossible to terminate. Marroquin and numerous other brewers in the state are advocating for House Bill 499, which would enable breweries producing less than 1,000 barrels annually to self-distribute and break free from restrictive wholesaler contracts.

On the other hand, food service provider Aramark faced a substantial setback after losing its contract with the University of South Florida. The company announced plans to lay off 949 employees at the university, beginning in June, as a result of the contract termination.

A pivotal aspect in the legal realm that often gets overlooked is the role of appellate attorneys. While clients may question the need for hiring an appellate attorney when represented by a trial attorney, the complexities of certain cases can exceed the trial attorney’s capabilities, especially in scenarios that may lead to appeals.

In a bid for additional growth, United Community Banks’ recent acquisition of American National Bank, a Broward-based institution with $439 million in assets, signified the company’s ambitions in Florida. This marked United’s third bank acquisition in the state since 2020, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its presence within the Florida financial market.

The journey to safeguard Florida’s business landscape saw Florida Aquarium’s penguins, Archi, Enzi, Nuri, and Dassen, make a notable appearance at the Capitol to advocate for critical funding to protect marine life and conservation efforts. Their presence underscored the importance of securing resources for the preservation of aquatic life in the Sunshine State.

Overall, recent developments in Florida’s business sphere highlight the diverse challenges and opportunities that enterprises across various sectors are facing. From legal battles over distribution rights in the brewing industry to the need for innovative solutions in supplier payment management, Florida’s economic landscape continues to evolve with its business owners and entrepreneurs striving for growth and adaptability.